How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. cots and tots hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. cots 4 tots is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. cots 4 tots that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.